Proportional underwater call type usage by Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) in breeding and nonbreeding situations

摘要: Proportional underwater call type usage by Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii (Lesson, 1826)) near Mawson, Antarctica, investigated the hypothesis that certain types function specifically in breeding behaviour. Recordings were collected at various sites 2000 and 2002 from June to December. Twenty-four hour recordings two sites. One hundred consecutive calls each of 248 classified into one ten common types. Time 100 provided calling rate. The study period was divided four periods representing initial sea-ice formation, pre-pupping, pupping, mating. Calling rate light–dark differences also examined. No presence–absence observed for any with season. largest difference between nonbreeding situations an increase 32.2% 38.1% descending whistles (F[3,244] = 4.483, p = 0.004). Trills gradually increased 1.8% 7.3% toward mating (F[3...